Wake Up Call’: Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson come to Charlotte

Maroon 5 fans may find it “harder to breathe” in Charlotte on Sept. 11, when the pop rock powerhouse stops by the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre for the Honda Civic Tour. With a decade of hits under its belt, the band fronted by Adam Levine is sure to pack the outdoor venue and deliver an exciting concert. The tour follows the platinum success of Maroon 5’s fourth studio album, “Overexposed.” But, you better act fast if you want tickets (livenation.com).

The band members

We’re all familiar with Levine – lead vocals and lead and rhythm guitar – and his signature voice and “moves like Jagger.” But, what about the rest of the band?

* Jesse Carmichael– keyboardist. He has been on a temporary break from the band since spring 2012, studying music and the healing arts. He plans to rejoin Maroon 5 to create the fifth album. He also has a solo project called “1863.”

* PJ Morton– currently touring with the band as stand-in keyboardist. Morton is also a singer and producer, and his solo album, “New Orleans,” came out May.

* James Valentine– lead guitarist. Valentine is also in an indie-pop band named JJAMZ.

* Matt Flynn– drummer. Flynn has also played drums for The B-52’s and Gavin DeGraw. He replaced original Maroon 5 drummer Ryan Dusick, who had to stop playing in 2004 after suffering wrist and should injuries.

Origins

While still in high school, Levine, Carmichael, Madden and Dusick formed alternative rock band Kara’s Flowers in 1994. Their first album, “The Fourth Ward,” flopped, and they recorded another album under a new record label in 1999. Band members added James Valentine to the mix in 2001 and changed their name to Maroon 5, and the rest is history.

Name that tune

Since 2002, nearly 20 singles from Maroon 5 have dominated the radio airwaves. Test your knowledge of Maroon 5’s hits by matching each lyric with the proper song.

Kelly Clarkson is also on the lineup for the show. The soprano will belt out the hits that have transformed her into a music diva.

A reviewer of Clarkson’s last tour wrote, “Kelly’s strong and powerful voice was flawless throughout the night and some may even say she sounds better live then she does on her albums.” Just in case you need refreshed, here are a few facts about the star:

Idol:Clarkson became the first “American Idol” winner in 2002. When she auditioned for the show, her parents’ Los Angeles apartment had just burned down, and her only possession was a box of photographs.

A few of her many hits:“A Moment Like This,” “Since U Been Gone,” “Walk Away,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” “Miss Independent,” “Mr. Know It All,” “Already Gone,” “Stronger”

Her success: She has five studio albums, and a sixth one is scheduled for release in October. She’s sold 20 millions albums worldwide.